Lewis Hamilton's love split

After two years, Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger have split...

12:03 11 January 2010

Singer Nicole Scherzinger and racing champion Lewis Hamilton have split after two years together.

The former F1 title winner, 25, and Pussycat Dolls frontwoman, 31, confirmed the news in a statement.

The handsome couple are to part ways, ending a 20-month long distance relationship.

They first met in November 2007 at the MTV Europe Music Awards, but didn't start dating until May 2008.

Scherzinger was regularly at Hamilton's side through the 2008 Grand Prix and was there to cheer him on as he was crowned Formula 1 World Champion.

However, the pair had been spending increasing amounts of time apart to work on their own careers.

Hamilton recently celebrated his 25th birthday with the singer on the other side of the pond working on her new album in LA.

In a joint statement they said: "Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton can confirm that they have decided to go their separate ways.

"The two of them have decided to focus fully on their careers and will remain close friends."

A source told the Mirror: "It's sad because they did love each other. When you saw them trackside together they were always laughing and Nicole would give him a little peck on the cheek before the race. But they had to be realistic. There was no way they could continue their careers and stay together - it was getting way too stressful. No one else is involved - their careers just got in the way."

Scherzinger is set to release her solo album this year, which was originally to be released in 2007, but was delayed. Several songs also ended up on the Pussycat Dolls album 'Doll Domination'.

The singer is now working with artists Will.I.Am, A.R. Rahman and Lady GaGa on new tracks for the album. 'My name is Nicole' is set for release later this year.

Meanwhile, Hamilton is focussing on regaining the title from teammate Mc Laren Jenson Button and new competition Michael Schumacher, who is out of retirement.